Synonym Chooser

How does the noun machination differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of machination are cabal, conspiracy, intrigue, and plot. While all these words mean "a plan secretly devised to accomplish an evil or treacherous end," machination implies a contriving of annoyances, injuries, or evils by indirect means.

the machinations of a party boss

Where would cabal be a reasonable alternative to machination?

Although the words cabal and machination have much in common, cabal typically applies to political intrigue involving persons of some eminence.

a cabal among powerful senators

In what contexts can conspiracy take the place of machination?

While the synonyms conspiracy and machination are close in meaning, conspiracy implies a secret agreement among several people usually involving treason or great treachery.

a conspiracy to fix prices

When might intrigue be a better fit than machination?

While in some cases nearly identical to machination, intrigue suggests secret underhanded maneuvering in an atmosphere of duplicity.

backstairs intrigue

When is plot a more appropriate choice than machination?

The words plot and machination can be used in similar contexts, but plot implies careful foresight in planning a complex scheme.

an assassination plot

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of machination Good investor behavior requires thinking long-term, staying grounded, and resisting the belief that daily market machinations are important enough to warrant changes. Steve Booren, Denver Post, 15 June 2025 Dell, meanwhile, loses her chance at knowing who killed her mother, due to the sheriff’s machinations. Lily Meyer, The Atlantic, 27 June 2025 But the machinations for the Heat assuredly are ongoing. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 25 June 2025 But his romantic machinations to propose to his then-girlfriend, Amelia Harding, who is 20 years younger, didn’t end there. Sam Gillette, People.com, 14 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for machination
Recent Examples of Synonyms for machination
Noun
  • Singer pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy, conspiracy to defraud the United States and obstruction of justice.
    Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 24 July 2025
  • In November, Vaillant was convicted by a federal jury of conspiracy to commit criminal copyright infringement and is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 4.
    Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 24 July 2025
Noun
  • The scheme requires drivers to pay a fee—based on the time and duration of their visit and their vehicle type—to enter the lower part of Manhattan, from the southern end of Central Park to the city’s financial district.
    Carlton Reid, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
  • Singer took in more than $25 million from his clients as part of the scheme, paid bribes totaling more than $7 million and used more than $15 million for his own benefit, according to prosecutors.
    Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 24 July 2025
Noun
  • The plot is revealed over and over in scenes where one character or another explains everything to Max, though each scene negates all the exposition in the one preceding it.
    Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 25 July 2025
  • The plot kicks off with the reveal that after years of trying, Susan is pregnant, a joyful realization that, for Reed, quickly turns into worry that their child will also be superpowered.
    David Sims, The Atlantic, 25 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Machination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/machination. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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